Epperson of 'Project Runway' Makes a Fashionable Next Move

Is it just me or has life after 'Project Runway' always seemed a touch tragic for the designers? Besides a few standouts, such as Christian Siriano, past contenders have been arrested, gone bankrupt and complained of a total lack of industry support after their star turns on the show.

Luckily, New York City designer Rodney Epperson, the latest cast member eliminated from the Lifetime fashion competition show, is avoiding that curse. His post-'Runway' project is a turn as one of four hand-selected designers in the upcoming Harlem Fashion Row catwalk show. The fashion extravaganza, now in its second year, highlights outstanding designers of color in a lush production that attracts celebs, magazine editors and fashion enthusiasts alike. With less than a week before the show approaches, Black Voices caught up with Epperson to talk about his collection and life after reality TV.

I'm sure you've gotten tons of offers to be part of fashion shows since 'Project Runway.' Why did you pick Harlem Fashion Row as the show to debut your pieces?

I decided to work with Harlem Fashion Row because of the amazing group of people that comprise this organization. Warm, wonderful, talented people. Not to mention the proceeds benefiting such a worthy cause [proceeds from ticket sales go to a local Harlem charity]. We all need one another.

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Fashion Through The Decades

Whether it was a miniskirt and go-go boots, platform shoes, a bold Kangol cap or a fresh pair of Jordans, black Americans have always kept up with -- and often set -- the fashion trends of the day. In honor of Black History Month, we've compiled a list of some of the fashion trends and style icons of the '60s, '70s, '80s and '90s.

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The College Survival Guide

A Fridge
Regardless of whether you have a wonderful sized meal plan, your fridge may come in handy with leftovers or when you feel like stocking it with bottled drinks.

Computer
The convenience of a computer is essential when sending your kids off to college. Forget the hike to the computer lab across campus students need a computer in the comfort of their room. A printer comes in handy as well. Depending on whether your child plans to carry his laptop around campus, you might opt for a desk top since they're lighter on the pockets.

Snacks
You will surely survive with off of a meal plan but it doesn't hurt to stock up on snacks when you don't feel like leaving your dorm room. Bottled water, pop corn, cereal and Ramen noodles are all low budget snacks to stock up on. Just be weary of the freshman 15.

Things from home
Some college students suffer from homesickness the first year. It's best to surround yourself with things like photos of the family, pillows or even stuffed animals. Anything that reminds your child of home.

MP3 Player
With all the stress that comes from school and exams, sometimes it's nice to block out the chaos in your life and even your roommate with music. It's nearly impossible to find students walking to class who aren't jamming to tunes.

Budget
Students who enter college often come in at the ripening age of 18. A great time for credit cards. Parents beware, your child may end up ruining their credit at a young age

Alarm Clock
When you're in college you don't have the luxury of getting awaken by your parents. It's now your responsibility to get to class on time so alarm clocks are a must. But keep your roommate in mind. You shouldn't wake him up ever morning with a blow horn alarm.

Cleaning supplies
Now you don't necessarily need to bring in the rubber gloves, mop and gas mask but it doesn't hurt to bring along Clorox all purpose wipes for spills or dust. Vacuums and brooms come in handy too depending if you have a carpeted dorm.

Bedding
What most parents aren't aware of is that most college beds are twin sized but extra long and require special sheets. When shopping keep your eye open for sheets that clearly state 'extra long' or else your child may come up short.

Shower shoes
You really don't know what some people do in the shower these days. College showers are known to be creeping with germs so spare yourself the fungus and purchase flip flops for the shower. You'll thank us later!

What can we expect to see from you at the show?

For Spring 2010 expect Epperson. Distinctive. Beautiful. Timeless. I focused on resilience and the ability to survive with this collection. I feel it mirrors my journey.

This event is also meant to honor African American womenswear designer Stephen Burrows. Personally, I think he is a legend. What do you think of his work?

He is a genius. Stephen Burrows was the first designer I ever admired. He was a true inspiration to me in my early years. I totally appreciated his freedom and am honored to be a part of a show that will pay tribute to him. He deserves it.

Harlem Fashion Row takes place Thursday, Oct. 15, at 8 p.m. in New York City. It is open to the public. Log on to TicketLeap.com or call 1-877-TIX-LEAP to purchase tickets.

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